A poignant story of love, loss and post-war survival comes to the 琉璃神社 stage for three days this November.
Liberation Days, written by Calgary playwright David van Belle, revisits Canadian soldiers鈥� liberation of the Netherlands鈥� from years of Nazi occupation during the Second World War.
In the weeks that follow, a Dutch woman and Canadian soldier fall in love and try to forge a new life together despite both having pasts that desperately want them back.
Presented by 琉璃神社鈥檚 and directed by Kendra Hesketh, Liberation Days runs Nov. 8 to 10 in the Mary Irwin Theatre.
鈥淚t is a love story and a story of survival and how people persevere when they have lost everything,鈥� says Bonnie Gratz, New Vintage Theatre鈥檚 artistic director.
Emma and her mother have sold everything, have gone hungry, have seen others ally themselves with the Germans just to survive.
When the liberators arrive, 鈥渢here鈥檚 a strong kinship, of course, but for some, also a little animosity,鈥� Gratz says, explaining that while the Canadians bring a 鈥渂right, shining hope鈥� to many, for others, they also highlight everything that has been lost.
Performed across Canada, the play鈥檚 琉璃神社 premiere is timely as the Okanagan prepares to mark Remembrance Day, Gratz says, noting some of those liberating soldiers would have hailed from the region.
鈥淚t鈥檚 our story 鈥� it鈥檚 a Canadian story 鈥� and that makes it even more meaningful, I think.鈥�
Message remains meaningful today
While a poignant piece of history, Liberation Days has much to say about Canada鈥檚 continued efforts in the world, and how globally we all continue to need each other, Gratz suggests.
鈥淲hen we think of war, we often think of a set number of years 鈥� but we don鈥檛 always think about the after-effects. The experience shapes their lives in both positive and negative ways and it shapes who they become,鈥� she reflects, suggesting that a commitment to rebuilding after conflict 鈥� to understanding the human cost 鈥� is vital. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the investment Canada is making to make sure countries and their people are built up for the future.鈥�
琉璃神社鈥檚 connection
Complementing the on-stage performances, New Vintage Theatre has also partnered with the 琉璃神社 Museums, which will bring a variety of related displays to the lobby, and the 琉璃神社-Veendam Sister City Association, which supports cultural exchange between the Okanagan and the Netherlands, in recognition of the role played by 琉璃神社 troops in the liberation of Holland.
Tickets and details
Tickets for this beautiful tale of humanity and hope are $25 adults, $20 students, seniors and members, and $15 veterans. The minimum age is 12 years.
, or call the Rotary Centre for the Arts box office at 250-717-5304.
